Heather Barber

Identity tensions in lesbian intercollegiate coaches.

Using social identity perspective, we investigated the experiences of 13 lesbian college coaches. Through semistructured interviews, the coaches revealed the daily identity tensions they experienced. There was constant negotiation between their social identities of “coach” and “lesbian.” The social context of intercollegiate womens athletics created a complex web that juxtaposed these identities against commanding social norms. The challenges these coaches faced ranged from doing what they believed was best for the well being of their athletes (e.g., fighting homonegativism) versus what was best for their professional well being (e.g., remaining silent). These coaches did not passively accept their fate; while they struggled with identity negotiation, they also found ways to counter the heterosexist atmosphere and create positive social change.

Social psychological benefits of gay games participation: a social identity theory explanation.

Abstract Research examining sexual orientation in sport settings has been limited in scope and lacked theoretical frameworks. To extend this body of research, the current study was framed within social identity theory and examined the impact of Gay Games participation on: (a) social identity, self-esteem, and collective esteem; and (b) expected subsequent social change activities following the Games. One hundred and twenty-five lesbian and bisexual athletes competing in Gay Games V participated in this investigation. The athletes completed a demographic profile and an open-ended questionnaire that asked about their Gay Games experience as well as expected social change activities after the Games. A content analysis of the responses revealed themes consistent with social identity theory. Specifically, these individuals identified the role of the Gay Games on social categorization, personal and social identity, and self and collective esteem. Additionally, these women revealed that following the Gay Games t...

Creating a Positive Climate for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Youths

ISSN: 0730-3084 (Print) 2168-3816 (Online) Journal homepage: https://www.tandfonline.com/loi/ujrd20 Creating a Positive Climate for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Youths Heather Barber & Vikki Krane To cite this article: Heather Barber & Vikki Krane (2007) Creating a Positive Climate for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Youths, Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance, 78:7, 6-52, DOI: 10.1080/07303084.2007.10598047 To link to this article: https://doi.org/10.1080/07303084.2007.10598047